When Plans Change: A Story of Evangelism and God’s Perfect Timing

Garneton East Brethren Chapel

Victor Mushimbami, Founder and Lead Blogger of Purpose Beyond Limits

The Plan: Reaching Out to Missing Members

This week, Mr. Mfula and I decided to go out for evangelism. Our original plan was to visit some church members who had missed Sunday fellowship. We wanted to check on them, encourage them, and remind them of the importance of gathering as believers. Fellowship is a beautiful time when we uplift one another, and we wanted them to know how much we miss them when they’re not there.

An Unexpected Encounter

As we walked, we talked about life, caught up on personal updates, and even discussed the weather. The sky was cloudy, and it seemed like rain could start at any moment. Not wanting to get caught in a downpour, we decided to cut our visits short. But just as we were about to turn back, we saw a group of people sitting outside.

Facing Initial Resistance

At first glance, their faces weren’t welcoming. They looked at us as though we were intruding, and some even seemed annoyed by our presence. Approaching them felt intimidating, almost like stepping into a field of “dry bones” as described in Ezekiel 37. For a moment, I questioned whether we should speak to them. But then, scripture reminded me of our calling: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). I also remembered my personal vision: “No Place Left” and “Purpose Beyond Limits.” This was not the time to hesitate but to trust God.

Breaking Through Barriers

We greeted them, and only a few responded. The others stared at us silently, their expressions still cold. We introduced ourselves and asked if they would allow us to share with them. We assured them that if they didn’t have time, we would return another day. One woman broke the silence. She said, “You people who preach the gospel should be begging us for souls. You should be on your knees pleading.” Her words could have discouraged us, but instead, we calmly responded, explaining that the gospel is an invitation, not something to force.

A Shift in the Atmosphere

To our surprise, the group eventually softened. They invited us to sit with them, saying, “It looks like it’s about to rain. Come inside and tell us what you have to say.” We thanked them and began sharing the Word of God. We used stories from the Bible, like Noah and the ark and the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah (Luke 17:26-30). As we spoke, the atmosphere changed. Their expressions, which had been so cold at first, turned to focus and curiosity. It was clear that the Holy Spirit was at work, speaking to their hearts as we shared.

Divine Timing and Protection

While we were sharing, it began to rain heavily. I realized that if we hadn’t stopped to speak to this group, we would have been caught in the rain with no shelter. God had perfectly orchestrated our meeting. As we finished, they asked questions about where we fellowship and wanted to know more about us. Although we couldn’t be sure if they would visit our church, we trusted God to continue working in their hearts. Like the parable of the sower, our role was to plant the seed and leave the growth to God (Mark 4:26-29).

A Humbling Lesson

As we prepared to leave, we forgot to close in prayer. The same woman who had been most resistant earlier stopped us, saying, “Why are you leaving without praying?” Embarrassed, we sat back down and prayed with the group. During the prayer, the rain intensified. It felt as though God was teaching us another lesson: to follow His lead completely and not rush ahead of His timing. By the time we finished praying, the rain had stopped entirely, allowing us to continue our visits peacefully.

Key Lessons from the Day

One of the most important takeaways from this experience is that evangelism should be a lifestyle, not just a scheduled program. Sharing the gospel happens in everyday moments when we are willing to engage with people, no matter the circumstances. It’s about being ready at any moment to talk about Christ’s love and His message of salvation.

Encouragement for Fellow Believers

Another valuable lesson is not to be discouraged by rejection. At first, the group we approached wasn’t welcoming, and some even responded with hostility. But persistence and trust in the Holy Spirit softened their hearts. As Romans 1:16 reminds us, the gospel is the power of God for salvation, whether it is accepted or not.

This experience also taught me that God’s timing is always perfect. What seemed like a random encounter was actually a divine appointment. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that we can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Even the rain served as a reminder of how God cares for us and works all things for His glory.

Finally, I learned that humility and patience are essential in sharing the gospel. Even criticism can teach us something valuable. By staying calm and respectful, we were able to turn resistance into an opportunity to share the love of Christ.

Call to Action

This week, I encourage you to step out in faith and share the gospel with someone. Pray for opportunities, trust God’s timing, and remember that even small acts of obedience can lead to great outcomes. Let’s continue to live out the mission of  Christ trusting God to use us for His glory. You never know, your next interruption might just be God’s divine appointment.